Who Are We in 2012?
The Victoria Region Team is made up of predominantly engineers, however we have 'non-gineers' in finance, universities, environmental science and arts. To contact anyone of the people below, send us an email at vic.chapter@ewb.org.auPresident - James Fitzgerald
How did you get involved with EWB?
I got involved with EWB whilst I was at university by tagging along to an EWB meeting with a few mates. A few years later I became very active with the WorleyParsons EWB Interest Group in Melbourne. I was then asked by Kaj Lofgren, Member Engagement Officer, to assist the National Office to restructure EWB across Victoria. In November 2010, I became President of Victoria Region Chapter.
Why are you taking on this volunteer role at EWB?
I want to continue to consolidate the initiatives and partnerships that we started in 2010. I would also like to assist the team in implementing better training of our volunteers and improved induction of our members. This will assist us in improving our existing community partnerships.
What is one thing you want to learn from EWB?
Given that EWB is a leader in community development, it would be great to learn more about long-term, sustainable and two-way community partnerships from all those guns across the organisation.
Vice President for Partnerships - Mel Bok
How did you get involved with EWB?
I have been a long term member of EWB (2005 Monash Uni Chapter) and active with the VIC Chapter since 2010.
Why did you take on this voluntary role at EWB?
I am applying for this position to link my volunteer and professional experiences with region initiatives, and further strengthen Vic Region's involvement with community groups, corporate partners, industry groups and university teams.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
I want to continue learning and practicing sustainable development, develop new perspectives and skills while producing quality community focused initiative.Vice President for Innovation - Joli Price
How did you get involved with EWB?
I first got involved with EWB through a poster on the back of a toilet door at Melbourne University.
Why did you choose to take on this role?
I strongly believe in EWB's development philosophy and its importance within the engineering community. The people I have met through EWB have never failed to show me an unending stream of energy and generosity. I would love to be able to further my involvement with EWB and contribute to its development through the Victoria Region Team in 2012. EWB had an extremely powerful impact on my university education and I see the Victoria Region Team as an opportunity to give back to the broader EWB community.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
One thing I want to learn from EWB is how to use my engineering skills to improve to lives of others, particularly within a local context.
Secretary - Kesavan Muruganandan
How did you get involved with EWB?
I got involved with the EWB Monash chapter (Bio-Diesel) initiative & with EWB in 2011 attending a few of their workshops & programs.
Why did you choose to take on this voluntary role?
I'm keen to learn & understand the objectives of EWB and apply them along with my previous experience in media awareness to the chapter, engaging more members.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
I would like to learn how to collaborate with like minded people and make a difference.
Treasurer - Hui Bee Low
How did you get involved with EWB?
I’m an Origin Foundation Champion and EWB is one of the community partners that I hear Mirella (Our Foundation Manager) talking about a lot.
Why did you choose to take on this voluntary role?
I haven’t really been involved with EWB personally, except I co-ordinated a financial processes review for 1 of my team members.I have the requisite skills & I would like to contribute in some way to the community.How do charities work…generally.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
What drives the people who choose to work in not-for-profit organisations how their perspective is different to people like me who work in the private sector.Media and Communications Coordinator - Felicity Ryan
How did you get involved with EWB?
My housemate, who is a biomechanical engineer and a member of EWB, alerted me to a position that was advertised on EWB's website in March. I applied. Met up with James Fitzgerald for "chai latte". And have been in Media Comms since March 2011.
Why did you take on this voluntary role with EWB?
I hope to continue my role in 2012, I think i will be more comfortable with it as I have learnt so much about EWB and humanitarian engineering.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
How to fix the world's problems.But also, from a non-gineer's perspective: training and development within the not-for-profit sector is invaluable experience, and I hope to remain at EWB in 2012.
Engineers Australia Liaison - Alesha Printz
How did you get involved with EWB?
A coffee with one of the founders back in 2004. And I’m still here!
Why did you decide to take on this voluntary role at EWB?
I currently hold a role within both the Victorian Division Committee of Engineers Australia and the Vic Chapter of EWB. This provides a fantastic opportunity for EWB to engage directly and identify synergies with the peak body representing engineers.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
I’d like to learn how to use my time as a volunteer most effectively – and then share this knowledge with other volunteers.
Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Champion - Dan A'Vard
How did you get involved with EWB?
I got involved in EWB through the ATSI Focus Group as a way to learn more and reconnect with doing awesome things for the world.
Why are you applying for the relevant position?
The ATSI program has real strengths across the country and we have an opportunity to use that to really empower members and create meaningful change in Victoria. The Focus Group hasn't been very effective at doing that for a while and I have a vision for an action and learning focused group that can lead the country.
What is one thing that you want to learn from EWB?
Humility
Knowledge Champion - Lesley Smith
Fundraising Champion - Perry Jackson
Fundraising Champion - Alicja Modzelewski
How did you get involved with EWB?
I was always interested in their values and their willingness to be active in the community so I looked into through the net.
Why are you taking on this volunteer role at EWB?
It is great that people are enthusiastic and are willing to put hard work in to make a difference in the community. In reality funds are required to provide on going support to the EWB projects. With my previous experience in sponsorship and fundraising events I thought using my skills would be a perfect way to contribute and make a difference in the community! I will be able to share my knowledge from being the events coordinator for young engineers Australia in 2010 and the current co chair for women in engineering.
What is one thing you want to learn from EWB?
I'm always willing to learn new things!! It keeps life fun and exciting! EWB has so much to offer in terms of workshops, information sessions, updates on current issues and a great chance to make new friends.
Engagement Champion - Maree Zannis
How did you get involved with EWB?
I only got involved with EWB recently, the energy and positivity of the organisation is what attracted me to it.
Why are you taking on this volunteer role at EWB?
I believe that it is important that EWB successfully engages with its members and continues to inspire. EWB’s belief that each of us can make a difference is something members benefit from; to understand how they can apply their skills and knowledge to make a difference. I believe it is also important that EWB continues to promote and teach to its members the importance of humanitarian engineering.
What is one thing you want to learn from EWB?
To learn how I can make a difference from applying my engineering skills and to also further my understanding ofwhat is sustainable development.
Menzies Partnership Coordinator - Ciara Noone
How did you get involved with EWB?
I first heard about the work that EWB does whilst at high school and got involved with the Melbourne Uni Chapter in my first year of university.
Why are you taking on this volunteer role at EWB?
I believe in the values of EWB and the work that they do in communities, both internationally and locally. Throughout this year, however, I’ve learned how important the work that goes on at a local level is and had the opportunity to meet and work with all our amazing volunteers at EWB and the people working hard for our community partners and now I’m hooked!
What is one thing you want to learn from EWB?
One thing? That’s hard- there’s so much I can and want to learn! One thing that EWB has mastered well and that I’d like to get an insight into is their understanding of ‘sustainability’.
School Outreach Coordinator - Andrew Weekes
How did you get involved with EWB?
I got involved with EWB most recently from volunteering at a Year 9 Humanitarian Engineering day - I became addicted to these events and kept returning! I did try to volunteer in 2010 whilst studying in WA but had to limit my involvement due to 'surviving', and have been 'floating around' EWB since 2006.
Why are you taking on this volunteer role at EWB?
I am passionate about education, and its importance on a number of fronts - such as helping others (including myself) find their passion(s), educating on sustainability and as a crucial tool to building capacity, the benefit of feedback from an audience of Yr 9 students who can see right through you, and the importance of access to education to unlock human potential and break down barriers that cause systemic inequality.
What is one thing you want to learn from EWB?
I guess not one particular thing - I'm keen to learn from others involved with EWB, and also from the partners and communities EWB is engaged with - there is a whole heap of stuff that I have no idea about, and I want to learn that!